On Tuesday a manatee was rescued in Bonita Springs from symptoms related to red tide poisoning. The toxic marine algae that causes red tide is often fatal to marine and coastal species when ingested or inhaled.

At least two manatees died an agonizing death from red tide in Brevard County and another five also are suspected victims of the toxic algae, officials said Friday.
"They actually asphyxiate," said Ann Spellman, a marine mammal biologist with Florid

Red tide could be becoming a silent killer along the Emerald Coast.
On Thursday, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge officials responded to a call about a dead sea turtle, a dead dolphin and eight struggling birds.